Forbidden City

Sundial Closeup - 4

This sundial dates from the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) located in front of the Hall of Supreme Harmony as a symbol that the Emperor was the source of the standards of time. Timekeeping is an important government function in any culture. Time must be standard if it is to be of any use. In every Chinese city, the time was announced by soundings from Drum and Bell Towers. The drums would signal the changes of the guard through the night, sounding every two hours. They would muster troops at 3 in the morning. The bell would sound at dawn, as it was quite a bit louder than the drums. The bell in Beijing could be heard for 20 kilometers.